Nigerian authorities deployed emergency teams over the weekend to battle a crippling traffic gridlock on the Abuja–Lokoja expressway, a vital artery linking the country’s north and south.
The chaos began after a confrontation between truck drivers and military personnel reportedly escalated into a blockade, paralyzing traffic for hours. Thousands of travelers, including pregnant women and children, were stranded overnight in sweltering conditions, with vehicles stretching for miles along the congested corridor.
The Kogi State Government, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian military, and other agencies rushed to the scene, deploying tow trucks, traffic officers, and security personnel to restore order. Federal Works Minister David Umahi later announced that normal traffic flow had been restored, though eyewitnesses described lingering delays.
The gridlock was worsened by ongoing road construction, impatient motorists driving against traffic, and the seasonal surge in travel as Nigerians journeyed home for the festive period. Analysts say the incident underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and the challenges of managing road discipline during peak travel seasons.
“This is not just a traffic jam , it’s a national crisis,” said one commuter stranded for nearly 12 hours. “The Abuja–Lokoja road is the lifeline of this country, and when it shuts down, everything shuts down.”
The Abuja–Lokoja highway is one of Nigeria’s busiest routes, serving as a gateway between northern states and the commercial hubs of the south. Disruptions along the corridor ripple across trade, logistics, and public safety.
While authorities insist the situation is under control, the incident has sparked wider debate about Nigeria’s ability to manage its critical infrastructure. For many travelers, the ordeal was a stark reminder of how quickly a single confrontation can spiral into a nationwide disruption.
